By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu of Lagos State has joined the league of mourners who are yet to come to terms with the demise of Rotimi Akeredolu, the Governor of Ondo State.

In a tribute to the late legal luminary, Sanwo-Olu described his death as a colossal loss to the country and Ondo State in particular.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, the Governor said Akeredolu would be greatly missed for his positive impact in Ondo State, South-West and Nigeria as a whole.

He also commiserated with the Ondo State Acting Governor, (now Governor) Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Akeredolu’s widow, Betty Akeredolu, and the entire family and friends of the deceased.

The Governor also sympathised with the entire people of Ondo State, especially the indigenes of Owo, on the demise of their illustrious son, praying that God would grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Sanwo-Olu said the deceased made lots of positive contributions to the growth and development of Ondo State and Nigeria, especially in the judiciary and governance.

He said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu over the death of the Ondo State Governor.

“I also commiserate with all my brother governors over the death of one of us. I sympathise with the entire people of Ondo State, particularly Owo sons and daughters at home and abroad.

“The death of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) is a colossal loss to the country, particularly the people of Ondo State. He made lots of impactful contributions during his lifetime to the growth and development of Nigeria, first as a lawyer and later as a two-term governor.

“Arakunrin Akeredolu was a courageous leader. He served the people of Ondo State passionately during his tenure as Governor of the State.

“I pray that God will grant Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu eternal rest and give his immediate family, friends, associates, and the people of Ondo State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

In the same vein, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State expressed sadness over his demise.

Makinde, in a statement on Wednesday, stated that the death of the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is a sad loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria.

He expressed his heartfelt condolences to his wife, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the entire family, and the Government and people of Ondo State.

Describing Akeredolu, who until his death was the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, as a dogged and courageous leader, the Oyo State Governor said Aketi, as he was fondly called, worked hard with his colleague-governors for the peace, prosperity and progress of South-West states.

He said: “I received with great sadness the news of the death of my brother, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the governor of Ondo State and chairman, South-West Governors’ Forum.

“I condole with his wife and children as well as the Government and people of Ondo State over this sad loss. In Aketi, South-West has lost a dogged fighter and courageous leader who worked hard for the peace, prosperity and progress of the region.

“I have also lost a worthy co-fighter for the South-West cause because we were both at the vanguard of the struggle, which birthed the South-West Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun.

“Aketi’s fervent and unrelenting stance on issues that border on South-West’s regional integration and progress is a lesson for leaders. He will be sorely missed”.

By Akinwale Kasali

A devastated President Bola Tinubu, mourning the passing of Ondo State Governor,  Rotimi Akeredolu, said it is difficult to sing  a dirge to the late great soul.

The President said this in a tribute he paid to the late Governor who passed-on Wednesday morning.

Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, staunch Anglican, former National President of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, was until his death, the Governor of Ondo State. He had taken ill mid-way into his second term in office which necessitated his taking a medical leave two times within the past six months.

The President said Akeredolu’s death has left a vacuum in the Nation’s political landscape as it is difficult for him to put pen to paper in singing a dirge for the legal luminary.

Akeredolu succumbed to  death after battling Leukemia for several months.

President Tinubu in a tribute to the 67-Year old late Governor wrote; “ It is a difficult task to have to pen a tribute and sing a dirge for a departing soul. It is a more difficult job in our African culture when one is compelled to do so for a younger person. Here I am with the difficult job of singing a dirge for Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, my beloved brother, confidant, political soulmate and governor of Ondo State.

“I cannot fairly capture in words Rotimi’s towering figure and his human essence. Rotimi was a man who moved our nation towards equity, fairness and justice in his strident advocacy against every form of injustice in our country through the instrumentality of the law as a senior advocate, attorney general of his beloved state, as President of the Nigerian Bar Association and Governor of Ondo State.

“In a challenging moment of our statehood when marauding agents of darkness spread their tentacles across our country, Rotimi was a strong voice in wilderness calling us to rethink our security architecture so we can have a more secure nation. His unrelenting advocacy led to the birth of the local police in the South West.

“Rotimi was a man of ideas and action. While he was with us, he taught us the power of action and service. In Ondo State where he had the honour to serve as the Governor in the last 6 years, he served his people with absolute loyalty, dedication and forthrightness. His footprints dot the entire landscape in the hundreds of kilometres of roads he built, the many school he built and healthcare facilities that he provided. During the dark hours when marauding agents of darkness visited the state and killed defenceless citizens where 40 worshippers of the Catholic Church of Owo were killed on June 5, 2022, Rotimi’s leadership qualities as a true statesman and compassionate leader radiated brightly to the world. He was a mourner-in-chief who guided his people through an agonising period. Today, I MOURN a fighter and fearless defender of truth and the masses.

“My personal journey with Rotimi started as joint members of the progressive family. We fought many battles together to restore progressive governance in the South West, Edo State and Nigeria as a whole. During this uncertain period, Rotimi was resolute and unflinching. He showed uncommon courage as member of our legal team in our battles to reclaim our stolen mandates in Ekiti, Ondo, Edo and Osun States. A gallant lawyer and one of the finest of the legal profession. I beckoned on him to contest for the governorship position of Ondo State in 2012. Even though he didn’t make it in first attempt his enthusiasm and determination to serve his people never diminished. He eventually made it to the Alagbaka Government House in his second attempt in the 2016 election, Since he was sworn-in in February 2017, he had served the people with devotion.

“Rotimi has played his role well and left us untimely. We will never see his likes again. Let me tell the people of Ondo State that I am grieving with you. We will honour Rotimi’s memory and make sure his legacy of service is never forgotten.

“In my grief and sadness, I have telephoned his wife, Betty, and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to commiserate with them and urge them to take heart over this national tragedy.

“Governor Akeredolu was not just a friend, ally and associate, he was a brother and soulmate.

“His death is a blow to our governing APC and the progressive family as we are diminished by it.

“I hope that his successor Aiyedatiwa will hold steadfast to the vision of governance left by this towering political leader”, the former Lagos State Governor wrote.

By Ayodele Oni

He is not a stranger in Ondo state politics. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is a popular household name in the politics of Ondo South senatorial district. He has served as a member representing the state on the board of Niger/Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) and even before this, he has held various positions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

As fate will have it Mr Agboola Ajayi, that deputized late Akeredolu during the first term of office fell out with him, which culminated his exit from APC, joined the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) where he secured ticket to contest against his former principal.

After Ajayi’s exit, many names were put forward as his replacement since the slot for the deputy governor was zoned to the south. It took Akeredolu weeks before he personally invited Aiyedatiwa to come and join him as deputy. Aiyedatiwa, according to information became Akeredolu’s choice because of his humbleness.

Till date, Aiyedatiwa lives at his private residence in Akure and rides his personal vehicle to run government activities. The deputy governor’s residence vacated by his predecessor was taken over by Akeredolu’s son, Babajide.

Before his invitation, Aiyedatiwa had already secured the ticket to go and represent his constituency at the House of Representatives. They both went into the election for the second term ticket and they won.

At the commencement of the administration, the late Governor assigned several duties to the office of the deputy governor among which was the state owned football club, as he continued to represent him at various functions within and outside the state.

Both Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa share a resemblance as both wear white beard. If not for his tender age, many would have mistook him for the governor. The relationship between the duo went on smoothly until the governor took ill in April. Before he was flown abroad for the first time, he had been bedridden, unable to carry out any official duty and never transmitted power to his deputy until later when it became open that the governor could no longer work.

Before this, many other aides of the governor were not comfortable with the good rappour between both of them and they felt threatened. Now with the governor’s absence, they wanted to draw a gap between them which they achieved. It was first allegation of wife battering against him, he defeated them.

They started feeding the ailing Governor with lies against the deputy one of which was an alleged request for N300 million from the palliatives fund to purchase official vehicle, the premise on which the state House of Assembly received petition and commenced impeachment move against him.

Other aides including commissioners were no longer taking instructions from the deputy governor. A particular special adviser to the governor, and kinsman, took over his job, pushing the deputy governor aside. They accused him of using opposition parties to wage media war against the governor, while he was getting well in Ibadan and the assembly was busy with the impeachment procedure. While this was going on, Aiyedatiwa was prevented from seeing the Governor in Ibadan.

At a point, he has to tender public apology to the governor as one of the terms for reconciliation. When he saw that he might not survive the onslaught, he consulted his lawyers culminating in filling papers, first before the federal high court in Abuja and later another one before Akure high court. The Abuja Court stalled the impeachment procedure with an injunction restraining the governor and the assembly. The state Chief Judge, despite pressure from the assembly hid under the Abuja Court injunction and refused to constitute panel to investigate allegations against the deputy governor.

When it seemed things were getting out of hand the leadership of the APC at national level waded in with setting up of a panel under former Governor Masari. The committee invited Stakeholders in the crisis after which more trouble erupted again.

A group of elders, under the leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti met and appealed to President Tinubu to intervene as the crisis was affecting the state negatively. There were calls mainly from the opposition parties that Aiyedatiwa be made acting governor to continue with the administration’s tasks. While this was going on, another allegation surfaced that the ailing governor’s signature was being forged on some documents.

This was confirmed by a cabinet member but another commissioner dismissed the allegation. It was while this was going that President Tinubu invited the leadership of the assembly, APC and the deputy governor to Abuja for a meeting. The outcome of the first interraction was misinterpreted and twisted to favour each of the parties in the dispute. The assembly stepped down the impeachment procedure.

Another meeting was again summoned few days ago by the president when it was evident that the governor’s health was getting worse. It was at this meeting that the president ordered the assembly to proclaim Aiyedatiwa as acting governor using doctrine of necessity. This again generated crisis as some aides led by the son wanted the governor to write the assembly to request for another leave and transmit power to Aiyedatiwa. This was done in compliance with the president’s order.

Now as he is being sworn in as a successor to Akeredolu, like his name, Lucky, luck and patience have bestowed on him the office of governor of Ondo state. As the number one citizen of the state and leader of APC, he will now oversee preparations for next year’s governorship election.

Going by the zoning arrangement of the APC late Akeredolu’s successor is expected to emerge from the south senatorial district where Aiyedatiwa comes from. There are other people in the cabinet and outside that have equally shown interest in the governorship, but with Aiyedatiwa assuming office, he will be in the best position to sway the ticket in his favour.

By Ayodele Oni

Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been sworn in as the new governor of Ondo state.

He was sworn in by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Olusegun Odusola.

This development followed the death of the State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday morning.

As Aiyedatiwa was taking oath of office, some of the aides of former Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu that actually frustrated him while holding sway have tendered their letters of resignation.

One of them that served as special adviser on Labour Matters, Bola Aragbaiye, a kinsman of the former Governor tendered his resignation letter to the Secretary to State Governor, Oladunni Odu.

Another kinsman, Richard Olatunde who served as the Chief Press Secretary has also resigned.

Aragbaiye’s letter reads “I write to refer to the subject above and to resign my appointment as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties with effect from today, Wednesday, 27 December, 2023

“My decision to resign is based on the unfortunate death of my Principal, a fearless and honest leader, Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Oduriayo Akeredolu, SAN CON, whom I am loyal to oven in death

“I sincerely thank His Excellency for the opportunity granted me to serve in his administration as a member of the State Executive Council first as a Head of Service and now, Special Adviser.

In his acceptance speech Aiyedatiwa stated that “The death of our Governor is indeed a devastating shock to us all, as we have all been praying earnestly for his quick recovery and subsequent safe return to Ondo State, having embarked on another medical leave on Wednesday, 13th December, 2023.  Indeed, there is no armour against fate, death lays his icy hand on kings.

“Permit me to use this opportunity to condole with the immediate and extended family of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, HRM Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo, the people of Owo and indeed the entire people of Ondo State over this monumental loss.

“The demise of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON  is indeed a great loss to me as an individual as our relationship dated back to many years ago, having closely worked with him when his gubernatorial journey started in Year 2012.

“The loss then did not affect our relationship as we continued to maintain close political and personal relationship which climaxed in Year 2020 when he graciously picked me as his running mate for his Second Term as Governor of Ondo State.

“Governor Akeredolu was a man of courage and conviction who always stood for the truth even at his own detriment.  I remember vividly during the time when we had a case in court challenging our Second Term victory.

“He still pursued the matter of emplacing a strong security network for the people of the Southwest codenamed ‘Amotekun Corps’.

“The People of Ondo State and the entire people of the Southwest will be eternally grateful for this bold act which has greatly improved the security architecture in the Region and reduced incidents of kidnapping, banditry and other acts of criminalities to the barest minimum especially in Ondo State.

“His many legacies in the health sector, infrastructural development, education, industrial development as symbolised in the Ondo-Linyl Industrial Hub, Ore, his innovation in Ondo State Entrepreneurial Development Agency, his Tech Hub, etc will be difficult to surpass.

“The events which culminated in today’s ceremony is a watershed in the history of Ondo State as this is the first time we are having a transition in an administration.

“Today’s event has placed a burden on all of us to pull together and stay together as one, because we have the onerous responsibility to continue to sustain the legacies of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, which was good governance, properly called.

“Our leader and Governor, during his time embarked upon several landmark projects, many of which have been completed and several ones ongoing.  We now have the responsibility to complete them.

“It is to the credit of Arakunrin Akeredolu, that the State now has a flyover in Ore, while the one in Akure is ongoing.  It is necessary for us to acknowledge with pride the wonderful achievements and legacies of Arakunrin Akeredolu.  His records of performance are monumental and unprecedented.

“I want to assure the people of Ondo State that under my watch, this administration shall continue to advance the welfare of the people.  We shall always place the people first in every decision we take.

“It is my prayer, once more, that God Almighty shall grant the family and the people of Ondo State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“Let me use this opportunity to convey our deep appreciation to Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the National Chairman of our party, His Excellency Alhaji Adbullahi Ganduje, the leaders of the party both at the National and State levels, the elders of our State, for providing succour and support to our State at this critical time.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I want to urge the people of Ondo State to continue to remember us in their prayers as we continue to emplace good governance in our dear State.May God continue to bless the people of Ondo State.”

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has reacted to the death of Ondo state Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu describing him as a man of ideas and action.

The President charged the acting governor that will succeed Akeredolu to hold steadfast to the vision of governance left by this towering political leader.

This is just as the state government through the commissioner for information Bamidele Ademola-Olateju officially announced the passage of the governor.

In a statement personally signed by him, Tinubu described the deceased as “a man who moved our nation towards equity, fairness and justice in his strident advocacy against every form of injustice in our country.

“It is a difficult task to have to pen a tribute and sing a dirge for a departing soul. It is a more difficult job in our African culture when one is compelled to do so for a younger person.

“Here I am with the difficult job of singing a dirge for Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, my beloved brother, confidant, political soulmate and governor of Ondo State.

“I cannot fairly capture in words Rotimi’s  towering figure and his human essence. Rotimi was a man who moved our nation towards equity, fairness and justice in his strident advocacy against every form of injustice in our country through the instrumentality of the law as  a senior advocate, attorney general of his beloved state, as President of the Nigerian Bar Association and Governor of Ondo State.

“In a challenging moment of our statehood when marauding agents of darkness spread their tentacles  across our country, Rotimi was a strong voice in wilderness calling us to rethink our security architecture so we can have a more secure nation. His unrelenting advocacy led to the birth of the local police in the South West.

“Rotimi was a man of ideas and action. While he was with us,  he taught us the power of action and service. In Ondo State where he had the honour to serve as the Governor in the last 6 years, he served his people with absolute loyalty, dedication and forthrightness.

“His footprints dot the entire landscape in the hundreds of kilometres of roads he built, the many school he built and healthcare facilities that he provided.

“During the dark hours when marauding agents of darkness visited the state and killed defenceless citizens where 40 worshippers  of the Catholic Church of Owo were killed on June 5, 2022, Rotimi’s leadership qualities as a true statesman and compassionate leader radiated  brightly to the world.

“He was a mourner-in-chief who guided his people through an agonising period. Today, I MOURN  a fighter and fearless defender of truth and the masses.

“My personal journey with Rotimi started as joint members of the progressive family. We fought many battles together  to restore progressive governance in the South West, Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.

“During this uncertain period, Rotimi was resolute and unflinching. He showed uncommon courage as member of our legal team in our battles to reclaim our stolen mandates in Ekiti, Ondo, Edo and Osun States.

“A gallant lawyer and one of the finest of the legal profession. I beckoned on him to contest for the governorship position of Ondo State in 2012. Even though he didn’t make it in first attempt his enthusiasm and determination to serve his people never diminished.

“He eventually made it to the Alagbaka Government House in  his second attempt in the 2016 election, Since he was sworn-in in February 2017,  he had served the people with devotion.

“Rotimi has played his role well and left us untimely. We will never see his likes again. Let me tell the people of Ondo State that I am grieving with you. We will honour Rotimi’s memory and make sure his legacy of service is never forgotten.

“In my grief and sadness, I have telephoned his wife, Betty, and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to commiserate with them and urge them to take heart over this national tragedy.

“Governor Akeredolu was not just a friend, ally and associate, he was a brother and soulmate. His death is a blow to our governing APC and the progressive family as we are diminished by it.

“I hope that his successor Aiyedatiwa will hold steadfast to the vision of governance left by this towering political leader.

Ondo state government statement reads “With a heavy heart, the Ondo State Government announces the tragic passing of our beloved Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

“Mr. Governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023. This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts.

“Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany. He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer.

“A letter has been sent to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, to officially inform His Excellency of this devastating news. The Family and the Ondo State Government appreciate Mr. President for his support for Governor Akeredolu during his illness. The family and the state government will release further details regarding the funeral arrangements.

“Governor Akeredolu was an extraordinary leader whose unwavering dedication to the state and its people was both commendable and unparalleled.

“He not only served as the Governor of Ondo State but also emerged as a prominent advocate for the entire Southwest region and the nation. Governor Akeredolu was a courageous leader and an exemplar of integrity. The weight of this loss is truly unbearable.

“However, we find solace in the knowledge that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu lived a purposeful life, devoted to the service of God Almighty.”